US researchers claim progress in self-propelled materials
Lessons from nature inform US Army-funded research into new ways of moving machines. If this research is taken further forward, it could result in vehicles that do not consume large quantities of fuel or require bulky motors.
US Army-funded research has developed materials that can move without the aid of motors or human hands, raising the prospect of autonomous systems that could exploit energy from their local environments.
The research was led by a team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst), using funding from the Army Research Office, part of the Army Research Laboratory, itself an element of the Combat Capabilities Development Command.
Through the research – which was originally published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Materials – the team created materials that move from their own energy.
The research is built on the ‘snapping’
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
-
![Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details]()
Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was designed to answer two questions: What is needed to fix UK defence and make it fit for the 2040s, and what do you get for a fixed financial profile? The SDR outlines that work still needs to be done on specifics.
